Cycling between different countries is a very special adventure for road cyclists. I’m a firm believer that there’s no better way to experience the changing terrain, culture and languages than by bike. Crossing three countries – the UK, France and Belgium – in three days, with a channel crossing, is a bucket list ride.

Planning a European cycling trip may seem daunting, but in reality, it's surprisingly simple. Once you’ve booked your tickets in advance - in this case, the ferry for the way out, and the Eurostar for your return home - you’re all set. You just have to focus on peddling the distance each day and where you’re going to stop for lunch.

Arguably the cycling capital of the world, Belgium is the ideal destination for an adventure by bike. Not only are the Belgians mad about cycling, but the landscape and terrain is varied and interesting, without being overly difficult. Despite taking in two 60-plus-mile (100 km) days, this Tour is suitable for all levels of experience.

Highlights of the route include the beautiful Kent Downs, and the flat farmlands and market town squares of northern France. As you cross into Belgium, you’ll experience the harrowing but iconic World War One battlefields and cemeteries around Ypres, and the ‘Tour of Flanders’ hills and cobbles.

Departing from Greenwich, Stage 1 takes you on a tour of Kent lanes to Dover, where a short ferry ride takes you across the English Channel. From Calais, you’ll experience excellent cycling infrastructure as you traverse farmland, punctuated with small town squares. Arriving in Brussels at the Grand Place, the most famous town square in the country, you’ll have crossed three countries and many landscapes. You’ll certainly deserve some frites and an oh-so-strong Belgian beer.

I first undertook this route in 2018, cycling to Belgium to ride the Tour of Flanders cyclo-sportive. I was struck by the variety of the landscape, and just how much history has occurred in the region. I repeated and perfected the journey a few more times, until the pandemic caused Eurostar to stop allowing bikes on its trains, thereby making such a ride much harder to achieve.

As of the end of 2023, Eurostar has begun allowing bikes back on its trains, albeit with a little more admin needed. This Collection celebrates the fact that a ride such as London to Brussels is possible again.